Determining the right type of
welding equipment can be a daunting task due to the wide range available
welding equipment in the market. However, the first step is to consider the
size of your project. This will allow you to narrow down on the type of
equipment you need. For example, for light repair work on aluminum, steel,
stainless steel and sheet metal up to 3/16 inch thick a 130-amp TIG or MIG unit
may suit your needs best. For heavier repair work and fabrication jobs choose
amperage of around 200 amps with a duty cycle of 40% or more. Duty cycle is one
of the important factors, which is the number minutes a welder can operate out
of a 10-minute cycle. For example, a machine with 200 amps AC and 40 percent
duty cycle can weld 200 amps continuously for 4 minutes.
Duty cycle and amperage
Duty cycle and amperage are
inversely proportional where the duty cycle increases when the amperage is
reduced. Thick metals require more amperage than thin metals. Therefore, it is
essential to consider both factors prior to choosing welding equipment.
Depending on your needs, you may want to consider renting welding equipment.
Red-D-Arc has an extensive selection of welding equipment ranging from gas, LPG
and diesel engine welders to advanced process welders, and more. These machines
are available at affordable prices. With decades of experience, Red-D-Arc has
the potential to help contractors choose the right type of equipment and
generate great savings.
